Industry challenges revealed

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【Summary】The IMI annual report reveals that while the number of businesses and job roles in the automotive industry has fallen, vacancies have risen to a 21-year high. The report also highlights that only 19% of the sector are female and 39% are aged under 35. The CEO of IMI expresses concerns about the skills gap and the need for upskilling and increasing diversity in the sector to better serve customers and adapt to evolving automotive technology.

FutureCar Staff Aug 17, 2023 9:55 AM PT

The annual Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Baseline Report has revealed some interesting findings about the automotive industry. While the number of businesses and job roles in the sector has fallen, there has been a significant rise in vacancies, reaching a 21-year high.

According to the report, there are currently 758,000 jobs in the automotive sector, which is an increase from the 742,600 recorded in 2022. Out of these jobs, 78% are in retail, while the remaining 22% are in the automotive field.

On the other hand, the number of businesses in the industry has decreased from 100,000 in 2022 to 98,500. Interestingly, 97% of these businesses are in automotive retail. The decline in job roles is also notable, falling from 218 to 213 due to the impact of advancing technology.

Another important finding from the report is the lack of diversity within the sector. Only 19% of the workforce in the automotive industry are female, and 39% are under the age of 35.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, expressed concern about the current situation. He highlighted the growing skills gap and the challenges faced by the industry. Nash emphasized the need for upskilling to ensure that the remaining businesses can meet the evolving demands of automotive technology. He also stressed the urgency of addressing the skills gap and increasing diversity to attract the best talent.

Nash believes that a more diverse sector will be stronger, more successful, and better equipped to serve the needs of motorists in the UK. He called for more support, training, and collaboration to achieve these goals.